For frequent travelers, Labor Day generally seems brings a little more sanity back to the flying experience. Families are largely gone, along with the teenagers flying on their own, and the once-or-twice-a-year vacation travelers.
In general, check in and boarding lines are faster. And of course, security lines are quicker. (“What, you mean I can’t bring my big shampoo bottle? Oh, is my change in my pocket a problem?” etc, etc.)
Actually, traveling with these “amateurs” does have its advantages. Seriously.
1. For elite members, there are less high-level fliers chasing the same upgrades. So if you are “merely” silver, gold, or premier executive you don’t lose out quite as often to the platinum and 1k or Global Service fliers.
2. Even for fliers who just want a good coach seat, in the summer more non-status fliers mean less competition for the preferred seats and preferred boarding. Sometimes at San Francisco Airport in the fall, the so-called “premium” security line is longer than the regular line.
In fact, already in September I am having a rough time finding “economy plus” seats on United Airlines, especially for non-stops to and from Washington, DC. Even for people who have booked a few weeks in advance.
3. While we’ve all been on planes with people who try to bring the kitchen sink plus onboard, in my experience, vacation travelers tend to be more likely to check their luggage.
It’s the time-sensitive road warriors, on the other hand, who more often try to push the limits of the carry-on rules, with rolling suitcases, garment and laptop bags. (In fact, on average, I see the most overhead bin space on flights to Hawaii.)
4. While I am not a baby person, being seated next to a teenager or well-behaved child and parent has certain advantages. Especially in less of a battle for the armrest. Most business travelers are still men. And all things being equal a 100 pound person is just an easier seatmate than someone twice that size.
I am quite sure there are readers who will have fellow-traveler-from-hell stories, and those folks can come in all ages, shapes and sizes. Overall, I do think off-season travel is easier. But it isn’t perfect.
